The Church affirms the sanctity of life and the equal worth of every human being.

We uphold both justice and the preservation of life in all circumstances. We welcome the recent reduction in murders across the nation, even as we express concern over the rising number of fatalities resulting from police operations. In this context, the ongoing debate and policy uncertainty surrounding the use of Body Worn Cameras demand urgent clarity to strengthen public trust and ensure a consistent national security approach.

Against this backdrop, the Jamaica Umbrella Groups of Churches (JUGC) and Watchman Church Leaders Alliance (WCLA) note the apparent divergence in public statements between Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness and Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang on the use of Body Worn Cameras.

The Prime Minister, on several occasions, has affirmed the Government’s commitment to their deployment. However, in a November 2024 post-Cabinet briefing, the Minister indicated that such devices are of very little value in police shootings, noting that officers under fire would take cover.

 In an April 2026 post-Cabinet briefing, he further questioned their practicality in confrontations with heavily armed criminals, citing concerns about officer safety, and has also suggested that persistent calls for their use may reinforce perceptions of mistrust toward the police.

 The Minister’s most recent statement suggests that the police uniform itself would be an obstacle to the use of cameras. He also suggested that other things were needed apart from cameras. We agree that all are necessary, and therefore ask for cameras to support accountability and protection.

This difference in emphasis between transparency and operational risk has created uncertainty. At this time, Jamaica requires a definitive policy position and a clear timeline for implementation.

We commend the INDECOM for its diligent work amid a heavy caseload. Supported by the consistent use of body-worn cameras, these efforts will serve justice well, helping to exonerate officers who are falsely accused while providing credible evidence for citizens who seek truth and accountability. We note the position of the Commissioner of Police Dr Kevin Blake, who has affirmed the value of these tools in strengthening transparency and evidentiary support.

We lament the loss of innocent lives to criminal violence, the pain of families of both civilians and police officers killed in security operations. Every life is sacred, and every loss must move us toward a more just and secure society. While we recognise the immense pressure on the Police, transparency is not an obstacle to effective policing; it is its protection.

 The high rate of fatalities demands more oversight, not less. Where operations lack clarity, suspicion replaces trust, and the divide widens.

The JUGC and WCLA, therefore, call on the Government to provide a clear national position and timeline on the use of Body Worn Cameras and to convene a national dialogue involving Civil Society, the Church, INDECOM, the Ministry of National Security, and JCF leadership to address the rise in fatalities and strengthen a strategy rooted in de-escalation.

The Church remains committed to supporting the men and women of the Jamaica Constabulary Force who serve with integrity and courage. We seek to ensure they are supported by systems that uphold justice, protect life, and build public trust.

We invite all Jamaicans to join us in prayer for the grieving, for the protection of our officers, and for a security approach that honours the dignity of every citizen.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5: 9”